Lower Back Pain and Phantom Pain in Amputee Football Players vs. Non-Athletes
Author Information
Author(s): Jóźwik Aleksandra, Wnuk-Scardaccione Agnieszka, Bilski Jan
Primary Institution: Jagiellonian University Medical College
Hypothesis
Participation in amputee football would be associated with lower frequency and intensity of lower back pain, as well as better overall motor performance, compared to those who do not engage in sports.
Conclusion
Amputee football training did not significantly impact phantom pain frequency or intensity but was associated with lower occurrence and intensity of lower back pain.
Supporting Evidence
- Phantom pain was reported in 53.3% of amputee football players and 66.7% of non-athletes.
- Lower back pain occurred in 33.3% of football players compared to 86.7% of non-athletes.
- The median disability score was significantly lower in the football player group.
Takeaway
Playing football can help amputees feel less back pain, but it doesn't change how often they feel phantom pain.
Methodology
The study included 30 men with unilateral lower limb amputations, divided into two groups: 15 amputee football players and 15 non-athletes, using surveys, the Oswestry Disability Index, and the visual analog scale for pain intensity.
Potential Biases
Differences in age and BMI among participants may have influenced results.
Limitations
Small sample size and reliance on self-reported pain may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
30 men aged 18-70 with unilateral lower limb amputations, 15 amputee football players and 15 non-athletes.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.008 for lower back pain frequency comparison.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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